EUFCN Spotlight on: Film Commission Bayern
The Film Commission Bayern was the first Film Commission founded in Germany, in 1989. In 2007 it was co-founder in the creation of EUFCN.
From romantic castles to haunted ruins, from fascinating natural scenery to abandoned industrial sites. The Bavarian Film Commission provides the perfect location and working environment for each story, attracting every year a large number of international productions.
Film Commissioner Anja Metzger guides us on an exploration of the opportunities of filming in Bavaria.
Schloss Linderhof photo credits: Gert Krautbauer
Which main productions were shot recently in Bavaria, and which ones were postponed due to the coronavirus global emergency?
“Over the last years we had some international blockbuster productions shooting in Bavaria: Snowden by Oliver Stone, HBO series Euphoria, The Happy Prince by Rupert Everett starring Colin Firth and Emily Watson; Resistance, which tells the story of an artist who joins the French Resistance during the Second World War, Guns Akimbo, an action comedy with Daniel Radcliffe and Stowaway, an upcoming science fiction thriller with Anna Kendrick.
As far as we know, no international production in Bavaria had to stop shooting due to the Coronavirus emergency. However, the shutdown had a major influence on our current national productions for cinema and television.”
Behind the scenes of Resistance. Photo credits: Simon Happ
What’s the biggest production you have ever supported in your territory?
“The biggest production we have actively supported is The Three Musketeers, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, with Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Milla Jovovich and Mads Mikkelsen. The film was shot on location in Würzburg Residence, Munich Residence, Munich Hofgarten, at Nymphenburg Castle, Oberschleißheim, Herrenchiemsee, Bamberg and in Burghausen.”
What do you think is something unique the Film Commission Bayern can offer?
“We promise fast track 24hour suggestions for Recce. For international project acquisition we provide free location scouting up to 3 days for maximum 3 persons, including guide, car, meals and hotels.
Very helpful is also our free filmlocation-bayern database, which supports productions in their search for film locations. From castles, guesthouses and public buildings, to fascinating natural backdrops and abandoned industrial sites.”
photo credits: Tobias Gerber
Do you have any particular anecdote related to your experience as film commissioner?
“I was once on a location tour with John Woo, on the highest mountain in Bavaria, when my cellphone rang. My ringtone has been the title song of Mission Impossible for over 20 years, but of course John Woo happily thought it was set just for him…”
What activities has the film commission been carrying on during these challenging months?
“After the shutdown, out of our home office, we remained in regular exchange with our colleagues from the German Film Commissions, updated each other about developments in each region and supported each other with information from regional governments and local authorities to target a restart of film production in Germany.
At the same time, the German Film Commissions network used the partially shooting-free period to provide future oriented training in individual areas of film practice. We launched a digital event series in the field of sustainable work processes. The “Keen to be Green” webinar series comprised a total of nine webinars in the fields of set design, costume, production, lighting and cinematography.”
The European Film Commissions Network is a non-profit association that supports and promotes the European film industry and culture. It currently represents 94 European film commissions and film institutions from 30 different countries.
